Torino could only manage a goalless draw against Varese in difficult conditions at the Stadio Franco Ossola, a result that moved Toro down to third place in the table.
Francesco Benussi made his first appearance for the away side, whilst fellow January signing Riccardo Meggiorini made his first start, as once again Rolando Bianchi started on the bench.
Torino made a bright start and should of had a penalty in the opening stages when Meggiorini was upended by home goalkeeper Walter Bressan in the area. However, referee Angelo Cervellera waved away the appeals and Toro's long wait for a penalty kick continues.
In form striker Mirco Antenucci came close to scoring for the third successive game, but after jinking past two defenders, his shot went narrowly wide of the post. Toro's best chance of the first half occurred when Juan Surraco found himself in space on the right wing and dribbled into the area before cutting the ball back to Meggiorini who blazed over the bar. In fairness to the new signing, the ball did seem to bobble on the poor pitch before it reached the striker, but he still should have hit the target.
The home side had to wait until the second half for their first real chance of the match, as substitute Gianpietro Zecchin's dipping volley only just went over the bar from 30 yards. Toro coach Giampiero Ventura was dismissed from the touchline after complaining about a foul on Meggiorini, who was subbed for captain Rolando Bianchi with twenty minutes remaining.
Varese nearly caught Torino on the counter attack after Guiseppe Vives gave the ball away, but debutant Francesco Benussi showed good positioning to rush out of his goal and clear the danger. By the end of the game, the weather conditions had got much worse, as it became difficult to even see the ball, let alone create any chances and the game ended goalless.
After drawing their last two games away from home on difficult surfaces, Toro will be relieved to return to the Olimpico on Tuesday night against Vicenza, knowing that a victory is essential in order to keep up Sassuolo and Pescara at the top of the table.
Forza Torino
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